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Do's and don'ts of successful Notary self-promotion

An illustration of three people reaching toward a speaker

Updated 1-16-24. “Failing to toot your horn — with the right people, in theright way, and at the right time — doesn’t serve anyone,” writes Maggie Warrell in her book, Stop Playing Safe. Just as actors smile their way through press junkets, real estate agents plaster their faces on bus benches, and accident lawyers run daytime commercials with catchy jingles, Notary entrepreneurs must find creative ways to leave a lasting impression. The key is finding the balance of flaunting your skills without coming across as overly cocky, or even annoying.

People don’t always need notarizations, but when they do, you want them to remember your name. Here are some tips from veteran Notaries and expert self-promoters on how to creatively promote yourself and your business.

DO: Talk to strangers

Networking is crucial for Colorado Notary and small business owner Julie Brickley, who travels to hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices, where she hands out cards and asks to be included on contact lists for those in need of a Notary. She uses every signing as a way to introduce herself to others, including nurses, health practitioners, and social workers. Her advice is to use everyday events — signing appointments, grocery store checkout lines, business elevators, networking luncheons, or PTA meetings — as an opportunity to introduce yourself and your services, as you never know when someone might need you.

DO: Be a walking billboard

Emblazoning your t-shirt, business card, ballpoint pen, and even your car with your business name, message, and contact information can be a great way to draw new business. California Notary and owner of “At Your Service Mobile Notary” Laura Biewer has scored business through the use of the oversized magnetic ads decorating her vehicle. Even a simple bumper sticker or customized license plate frame can attract callers. Consider investing in a memorable and useful “leave behind” item, such as a magnetic calendar, a sticky note pad, or even a mouse pad containing your name, logo and phone number.

DO: Toot someone else’s horn

It may surprise you, but leadership coach and Forbes magazine contributor Margie Warrell recommends recognizing the accomplishments of colleagues as a way to subtly highlight your own. For Notaries, this could mean recommending another quality Notary or signing agent in your area, should you be unable to make an appointment, thereby accomplishing two important tasks. One, you help solve the problem of your client, and two, you strengthen the positive reciprocal relationship with a fellow Notary who is likely to send you work in return.

DO: Nominate yourself

Personal productivity expert and keynote speaker Peggy Duncan recommends nominating yourself for relevant industry awards, which you can advertise on your business cards, website, and social media platforms. 

DON’T: Spam potential clients

Junk mail, even electronic, does little to inspire warm, fuzzy feelings. In fact, inundating a client’s inbox can quickly make enemies. Make sure all correspondence carries some kind of value, such as forwarding a relevant article as a way to both advertise your service and keep colleagues abreast of important industry news.

DON'T: Try to do everything all at once

Devoting all of your resources — time, energy, finances — to self-promotion can quickly backfire. Be selective, choose a couple methods, and execute them well. To help figure out which techniques are working best, Julie Brickley recommends asking clients where they heard about your services, so you can track your marketing efforts and invest in the most effective strategies.


Related Articles:

5 tips for marketing your Notary services to customers


9 Comments

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Christopher C Greene

19 Dec 2019

Fantastic information

Delores Mikell

09 Jan 2023

Great information advertising your Business through others as a Notary Public.

Tabatha Harris

09 Jan 2023

Thank you so much! I've been trying to figure out how to get my info out there. This is incredible information!!

Chris Cappannelli

09 Jan 2023

Agree with most, disagree with one, and a suggestion. Unfortunately, it is my opinion that bulk snail or e-mail marketing to a targeted audience (e.g. attorneys, realtors, title companies, etc.), where the need for services like Notary Signing Agents is greater than the general population, is a necessary "evil", for lack of a better term. E-mail, especially, is an inexpensive, immediately-transmissible medium to achieve visibility that one might or might not achieve on social media. Regarding social media, the medium of choice, in my estimation, is Instagram. My son is a social media manager and has opined that, in this era of short attention spans, combined with information overload, Instagram provides a pithy presentation of a notary's service availability message to a wide audience, without necessarily having the need to pay for sponsorship of a page.

J.M. Pivaral

09 Jan 2023

This is all new to me but I do have a background in the financial services where they used to train us to talk people within 3 feet. I have used that approached before at stores, parking lots, etc. Make sure you carry your business cards with you at all times. Thank you for reading my humble message !!

Sheryl Armstrong

11 Jan 2023

Good day: Do's and don'ts of successful Notary self-promotion: There are so many great suggestions to enhance our professionalism. Thank you so much for sharing illuminating our minds.

Wanda (Iris) Guzman

29 Jan 2024

This is advise valuable. Thank you for the great content.

Jerry Binyon

29 Jan 2024

I have been a notary for approximately 15 + years and do believe that if you advertise with a google listing or signage on your vehicle it will definitely help you get business. Great information

Mrs Lozada

29 Jan 2024

Great information- thanks for sharing !

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